Sealed for life. There is no dipstick, it can be checked but its a workshop job involving removing a test plug from under the box.

I'm no expert on auto boxes but it could be:

The Transaxle Electronic Control System or a sensor is faulty (Throttle position (TP) sensor, turbine shaft speed (TSS) sensor, vehicle speed sensor (VSS), intermediate shaft speed sensor or transmission fluid temperature sensor.) A check on the diagnostics should show this up. The TECS operates in a "fail" mode if a sensor input is faulty.

Possibly could be an engine problem as the box requests a torque down signal to the engine PCM during changes. Again a job for diagnostics.

I had various problems with my autobox. After numerous attempts and changing solenoids and reprogramming autobox ecu, the problems were finally sorted with a new box. The total cost was near 3 grand - so don't waste time.

I still have the odd hickup here and there such as holding onto a gear too long.

I sometimes think this is a result of using too many electronics. The box is supposed to be very intelligent and gauge your driving characteristics and change accordingly - this works fairly well but does give the odd hickup but I tend to slip it into tiptronic, change up and then put it back in drive.

Car is booked in with dealer on Tuesday and have been having difficulty trying to recreate my problem - until tonight.

I have been having a couple of problems in the last couple of weeks - all intermittent.

1. Temperature gauge (sensor) not working/giving false readings.

2. Engine occasionally over revving when started (1-2 seconds).

3. Engine idling too fast (1200 rpm)

4. Auto gearbox changes not smooth

My wife usually drives the car, but I was lucky enough to have it today. On the way home I again noticed the temp gauge moving between 50 --> 90 -- 50, as it has been doing. I stopped at a shop for 10 minutes and upon restarted the vehicle, I got the over revving. The temp gauge was at 50 and stayed constantly there, and whilst driving, the gears were mischanging and idling speed was too high.

Once the temp gauge started responding again, (allbeit still not working 100%) the problems went away.

Could problems 2,3,4 all be being caused by problem 1. The dodgy temp sensor is giving bad info and causing the rest of the electronics to screw up? Seems too much of a coincidence.

Could problems 2,3,4 all be being caused by problem 1. The dodgy temp sensor is giving bad info and causing the rest of the electronics to screw up? Seems too much of a coincidence.

No Jim, rather you have a PCM (ECU) related problem. This explains your auto problems. The engine speed control is erratic and (incorrect) information is or is not being sent to the instrumentation pod (and probably the auto box controller). Could be a wiring fault (bad earth?) or faulty pcm (its not been underwater?). Diagnostics should show something.

No it's not been under water - when at least not in the 6 weeks I've had it. What you are saying makes sense - I also have my doubts that the fuel gauge is reading correctly as it wavers a bit, although not as bad as the temp gauge.

I also consider the car to be a bit dangerous when this is happening, as I wouldn't like to be over taking and need the power, when the gearbox decides to play up!!

I will make sure I mention all faults on Tuesday and discuss what the cause might be with them - making sure they investigate what you say.

JIM ,I had a very similar problem to yours recently. At one point the rev counter failed to work and then the whole car was stuck in first gear. Turned out to be the ECU for the gearbox! Four hundred pounds later with new ECU and problem solved. Jase.

also check the loom to auto box ecu if the engine moves it can litteraly stretch the loom causing intermitent faults, got one in front of me now, looks perfect until you take insulation off then you see the broken wires. nothing to do with this company but if your in liecestershire/derbyshire/staffordshire area with a problem auto box related try D& K transmissions at enderby leicester, ask for Keith, they know there stuff and most of the local ford and other dealers send work to them. gary